The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have engaged in a heated exchange over the alleged inclusion of the Niger Delta region in IPOB’s push for Biafran secession. The disagreement, which unfolded on Wednesday, has drawn significant attention due to its implications for regional unity and national cohesion.
According to Punch Online, PANDEF, through a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, categorically distanced itself from IPOB’s secessionist agenda. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to a united Nigeria, grounded in equity, justice, and the principles of true federalism.
Donyegha expressed deep displeasure over IPOB’s claims, describing them as “provocative and insulting.” He emphasized that the Niger Delta region should not be included in IPOB’s territorial aspirations, stating unequivocally that such actions would be met with strong resistance from the youths of the region.
“We, therefore, warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities into the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative,” Donyegha declared. “Any further attempt to disregard or belittle our leaders and fathers by claiming Niger Delta towns or territories as part of Biafra will meet strong resistance from us, the youths. Niger Delta is not Biafra.”
The forum reiterated its long-standing advocacy for a united Nigeria under a federal structure, where states and regions would have control over their resources while contributing taxes to the Federal Government for national integrity and foreign diplomacy. “We believe in the unity of Nigeria, but it must be a Nigeria where sub-national entities control their God-given resources while supporting the centre with taxes for territorial integrity and foreign diplomacy,” Donyegha stated.
In response to PANDEF’s statement, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, clarified that IPOB does not engage in coercive tactics to force any community into its secessionist agenda. According to Powerful, IPOB’s approach is centered on peaceful and lawful means, specifically a referendum, where individuals can freely determine their allegiance.
“IPOB is not part of the group forcing any community in Nigeria to join Biafra State,” Powerful asserted. “Those doing so in the name of Biafra are content creators from Finland autopilot group, and they are not part of IPOB.”
He further emphasized that IPOB remains committed to achieving independence through non-violent methods, and it is focused solely on conducting a transparent referendum to allow people the freedom to decide their future. “When referendum comes, people decide what they want; nobody will force them into the new nation called Biafra,” Powerful explained.
Emma Powerful also called on media outlets and other stakeholders to exercise restraint in linking IPOB with actions or groups not directly associated with its official agenda. He urged them to avoid amplifying narratives that could further polarize discussions around the Biafra movement.
“IPOB remains what it was from the beginning and will not shift ground until Biafra independence is fully announced by the United Nations,” Powerful said. “Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to decide their fate during the referendum.”
The exchange between PANDEF and IPOB highlights ongoing tensions regarding the inclusion of different regions in the Biafra movement and the broader implications for Nigeria’s unity and federal structure.
